Date

August - March each year

Description

Minders play a key role in nesting and breeding success. They are the rangers 'eyes and ears' on the beaches and provide excellent volunteer support maintaining fences and making regular trips to the nesting sites.

Tasks can include:

predator trapping

monitoring nest sites

reporting to the dotterel ranger

being an advocate for the birds in smaller coastal settlements.

The New Zealand Dotterel Watch Programme manages New Zealand dotterel on the Coromandel Peninsula. It is a partnership between DOC and local volunteers. Minders are supported by the DOC dotterel ranger and overall New Zealand Dotterel Watch Programme management.

What to expect

Experience required: Dotterel minding requires people who have abundant enthusiasm, are available a couple of hours a day between August and March and live in coastal communities close to prime breeding habitat.

Fitness/skills required: Low fitness required.

Transport: Volunteers must supply their own transport. Minders usually look after New Zealand dotterel in their own back yards covering their local beaches, sandspits and dune systems.